Safe Start plans and guidance for reopening

On May 29, Gov. Jay Inslee released an updated, county-by-county based “Safe Start” reopening plan for resuming recreational, social and business activities.

Businesses are not authorized to open until they are able to meet all safety criteria. As counties and industries reopen under the “Safe Start” plan, business and worker guidance will be posted to the Governor’s website.

Workplace Safety

New Facial Covering Guidance
Beginning June 8, all employees will be required to wear a cloth facial covering, except when working alone in an office, vehicle, or at a job site, or when the job has no in-person interaction.

Employers must provide cloth facial coverings to employees, unless their exposure dictates a higher level of protection. Employees may choose to wear their own facial covering at work, provided it meets the minimum requirements.

Industry-Specific Safe Start Guidance
The Safe Start program will reopen the state on a county-by-county, industry-by industry basis. Businesses should monitor the following resources for guidance applicable to their location and industry.

Worker Benefits

Unemployment
Workers affected by the pandemic may be eligible for unemployment benefits. Regular unemployment benefits are available for workers experiencing layoffs or reduced hours through no fault of their own. Expanded unemployment options may cover many workers ineligible for regular unemployment.

SharedWork may be a suitable option. Businesses that can reduce work hours by 10-50%, instead of laying off an employee, keep that worker employed while remaining eligible for shared work and CARES Act benefits.

Paid Family and Medical Leave
Paid Family and Medical Leave is available to workers that require time off to care for themselves or a family member due to a qualifying event, such as a serious health condition or a new baby. This benefit also applies to military deployments and returns from deployment.

Grants, Loans, Stimulus

CARES Act
The federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act mobilized a number of programs to support the American economy.
Provisions included paycheck protection for workers, small business debt relief, economic injury disaster loans, small business counseling and contracting, and tax provisions.

Guidance from OIC for businesses about keeping employees on their health insurance plans.

For information employers can share with employees about the health insurance options available through Washington Health plan finder (includes free and low-cost options for those who will or have lost employer-sponsored coverage), please visit the Washington Health Benefit Exchange Coronavirus FAQ Page.

Guidance for State Agencies and Local Governments

The state Emergency Management Division has activated the Public Assistance (PA) Program. This is specifically for state and local governments, tribal governments and to certain non-profits seeking federal assistance.

Submit Business and Worker Inquiries

FAQs

On March 18, the governor called on all public utilities in Washington to suspend disconnection tariffs for nonpayment during this emergency. He also ordered them to waive late fees for customers who are out of work or offer customers payment plans and expand bill-assistance programs for customers who are economically affected by this emergency. Learn more on the governor’s Medium account.

Final paychecks must be paid on or before the next regularly scheduled payday. Employers cannot withhold a final paycheck if the employee does not turn in keys, uniforms, tools, equipment, etc. There are specific rules for deductions taken from a final paycheck.

Severance, personal holidays and vacation time are voluntary benefits. Employers can choose to pay out these benefits on a final paycheck. If your employees believe they are owed any of these agreed-upon benefits, they can contact an attorney or file in small claims court.